At this point, I just don't think he is anywhere near the answer for the Packers. He would add the veteran presence and that is about all.

And since it is being talked about, I like Jimmie Ward. His size along with playing in the MAC will be what most use against him to not consider him higher in the draft but I think the kid can play football.

Similar sized safety I was interested in last year, Matt Elam. Clearly, a different caliber player but just for measurables sake.

Originally Posted by: Yerko 

I can buy some of that, for team depth at the position. Yeah, why not?

Originally Posted by: play2win 

Hell, he had 4 interceptions more than our entire safety group did combined last year. We can't do any worse.

Originally Posted by: mi_keys 

True, he might be a slight improvement, but I think the Packers can do MUCH better than a slow, aging, undersized safety. If the Packers sign him for some reason, I hope it doesn't alter their plans of finding another really good safety in the slightest.

I'd rather develop Hyde at the position than Leonhard, too. The Packers don't need more players of Leonhard's caliber. They need more big, strong, fast, and talented players to ever rise above average, imo.

Originally Posted by: DoddPower 

True, he might be a slight improvement, but I think the Packers can do MUCH better than a slow, aging, undersized safety. If the Packers sign him for some reason, I hope it doesn't alter their plans of finding another really good safety in the slightest.

I'd rather develop Hyde at the position than Leonhard, too. The Packers don't need more players of Leonhard's caliber. They need more big, strong, fast, and talented players to ever rise above average, imo.

Originally Posted by: DoddPower 

I don't think anyone here is suggesting that we forego adding further depth to safety if we pick up Leonhard. At least I hope not.

According to spotrac, Leonhard was on a salary of $840K with a cap hit of $555K; there doesn't seem to have been any guaranteed money. Assuming any deal he signs for this coming year will be similar, we could essentially sign him risk free to bring him into camp for more competition.

If he can come in and win a backup spot, great. He can come in and help bring along a rookie, Hyde or anyone else we bring in; and he would be an adequate backup if he can still play at or close to the level he has been playing at for most of his career, in spite of his small stature and non-existent pace (he's played through those two limitations his entire career).

From 2008 to 2010 he started on and contributed to defenses that finished 3rd, 1st and 6th in scoring. He was never the centerpiece, only a cog in the machine, but he knows what it takes to operate a defense at an elite level. When many of us are clamoring for veteran leadership, I don't see how bringing in a guy like this can hurt.

Besides, he's a Badger and Wisconsinite; and I'm a sucker for a good homecoming.

Source:
http://www.spotrac.com/nfl/buffalo-bills/jim-leonhard/ 

Originally Posted by: mi_keys